Getting some tech wood...

[jawnbc]

I participate in a number of online market research firms, the major ones for the most part. I find it doesn't take long to do most surveys, I represent a perspective not often included in random samples (conspicuous neo-Marxian commodity fetishist), and there must be some opportunities to get and try new stuff.

Finally, some kewl new stuff. I'm now participating in a free 6 month trial of Bell Canada's high speed wireless internet. In fact, I'm writing to you on this very connection. The first 6 minutes have been very good: easy set-up, snappy speeds just slightly below my cable via wireless connection (I'm getting over 100k/s downloads rates from major sites, for example). And apparently it's portable: when I go to Toronto next month I can bring the modem and connectivity with me--no additional charge.

The one negative? The router-sized modem required for access. I think unless they get something that interfaces nicely with a laptop, the service's attractiveness will be a bit dicey.

OMG! I can like totally go onto gaydar in the bar or even at the tubs.

Comments

[urbear]

Verizon and Sprint offer similar services in the US; I've been using Verizon's so-called wireless broadband service for a little over a year, through a PC card plugged into my laptop. It works beautifully all over the US, but it's a little pricy... $80/month for unlimited data, or $60 if you're also a Verizon cellphone customer.

[jawnbc]

Ah, so it uses an PCMCIA-enabled wireless card, rather than the regular-sized modem I've got. That would make sense. But is it broadband, or wireless @ dial-up speeds? This is broadband

[urbear]

It's broadband. I get 300-500 kb/sec most of the time.

[iberianbear.livejournal.com]

All the US wireless carriers have some type of wireless broadband internet service right now. The prices are all the same: $60 to $80 a month for unlimited laptop access, and the speeds are around 500-800kbps. Around $20 a month if you connect through your phone.

This is mostly through the use of 3G PC data cards, but there are already a few 3G phones that you can use as a bluetooth modem, and connecting to the inet from anywhere with good speeds is as simple as having your phone around your laptop and clicking on the virtual dialup connection.

Seems like Rogers in Canada should have this 3G service too in some areas.

[chen-tokuryu.livejournal.com]

OMG! I can like totally go onto gaydar in the bar or even at the tubs.

Just don't electrocute yourself at the tubs, mmmkay? :P

[timbear.livejournal.com]

I don't think the size of the MODEM is going to change significantly anytime soon. Bear in mind that the service is designed to be "portable" but not "mobile".

Pretty cool though.

[danthered.livejournal.com]

*perk*